Chapter 596: Reactions from All Sides

Inside the headquarters, a dead silence fell, a death‑like stillness pressing so hard that everyone could barely breathe, even their breathing became tentative.

The shifting fortunes of the Southeast Asian front exceeded the expectations of everyone in the headquarters.

The Southern Army, which had been marching south unimpeded, suddenly met a strong enemy in Myanmar; just in Myanmar, the Japanese Army lost over one hundred thousand troops.

Everyone bowed their heads, their faces pallid, knowing that the sinking of the aircraft carriers 'Akagi' and 'Kaga' was a fatal, irrecoverable blow to the Japanese Combined Fleet.

With the main carriers of the Combined Fleet annihilated, now is the crucial moment to attack the Australian–American Allied forces.

In other words, the Japanese Navy in Southeast Asia now lacks any ability to contend with the Nanhua Navy; control of the seas in Southeast Asia has completely fallen into Nanko's hands.

Japanese rule in Southeast Asia is already on the brink of collapse, and even the security of the Imperial homeland has come under serious threat.

Tojo slowly walked to the chair, his legs giving way as he staggered to sit, both hands supporting his forehead, his eyes vacant, his tone as heavy as a thousand‑pound stone, filled with deep despair: "Send the order down at once to seal off all information; the public must not learn that 'Akagi' and 'Kaga' were sunk and that the Quinary Fleet was destroyed. If the news leaks, it will inevitably cause nationwide panic and shake the foundations of the Empire."

"Furthermore, order Nan Yun Zhongyi to immediately reorganize the Combined Fleet; even if it means exhausting all forces, we must seize Australia, keep a close watch on the waters near Australia, and never allow the Nanhua Navy to continue expanding, lest the Empire fall into utter ruin!"

Tojo now proceeds with extreme caution, daring not to err; Japan does not have much capital to afford mistakes.

Even though the Japanese still enjoy an aircraft‑carrier advantage in the Pacific, building a carrier takes Japan far too long, while the United States has already begun constructing more than a dozen carriers.

"Ha!" Shanben Wushiliu struggled to rise from the ground, bowed and replied, his voice devoid of any vigor, only bone‑deep regret and helplessness.

He lifted his head, looking at Tojo's desperate expression, and knew that after the defeat at the Liao nei qundao naval battle, the morale of the Japanese Combined Fleet had been severely damaged.

The crucial point is the elite air‑sea troops aboard the carriers, which the Japanese cannot replenish in the short term.

Regaining Southeast Asia is evidently extremely difficult.

But he dared not object, forced to accept the order, with only one thought remaining in his mind: the Imperial Navy may truly be finished.

Shanben Wushiliu felt that this hand might be lost!

The staff officers and generals in the headquarters still bowed their heads, no one spoke, the air filled with sorrow, and everyone understood that the Empire's fate was gradually slipping into the abyss.

Far in Australia, within the American Army headquarters, MacArthur sat in his office, a battle report from Nanko in his hand, his face full of shock and exhilaration.

He sprang to his feet and shouted at the adjutant beside him: "Fantastic! Absolutely fantastic! Nanko really sank the Japanese 'Akagi' and 'Kaga' carriers; now the Japanese Combined Fleet's strength has greatly diminished, and our pressure has finally eased!"

The adjutant smiled and said: "General, the Nanhua Navy's strength far exceeds our expectations; with them containing the Japanese in Southeast Asia, our defensive pressure in Australia will indeed be much lighter."

MacArthur nodded, a hint of calculation flashing in his eyes, and said: "Containment alone is not enough; although the Japanese Combined Fleet is damaged, it still retains considerable forces that could launch an attack on Australia at any time."

He thought for a moment, then immediately ordered the adjutant: "Quick! Send a telegram to Washington, petition the President and senior military officials, asking Nanko to dispatch a navy fleet to the Australian waters to help us contain the Japanese Combined Fleet and completely dispel any Japanese plans to invade Australia!"

The adjutant hesitated a bit, saying: "General, Nanko has just finished the battle of the Liao nei qundao, and its fleet needs to rest and resupply. Will they agree to send a fleet here? Moreover, Nanko has always acted independently and may not follow our directives."

MacArthur waved his hand, saying firmly: "No need to worry! The Japanese are our common enemy with Nanko; containing the Japanese Combined Fleet also benefits Nanko."

"In the telegram, emphasize that as long as Nanko dispatches a fleet, Washington will provide ample fuel and ammunition supplies, as well as appropriate military support, and we are confident they will agree."

MacArthur didn't care about Stilwell's fate; he only thought of holding Australia and preserving his own face.

"Additionally," MacArthur added, "state in the telegram that if Nanko refuses to send a fleet, once the Japanese seize Australia they will next advance into Southeast Asia, threatening Nanko's security, making them realize that when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold."

It's evident that MacArthur has recently been brushing up on Huaxia's history and culture.

The adjutant nodded and immediately began drafting the telegram, sending it swiftly to Washington.

MacArthur stood by the window, gazing at the distant sea, his heart full of anticipation.

He knew that the addition of the Nanhua Navy would completely alter the Pacific Theater's situation, making the American defense in Australia more solid and granting the U. S. forces more time for their subsequent counter‑offensive.

The current United States Army desperately needs a powerful navy.

Even with Nimitz, he cannot yet muster a fleet.

Washington, after receiving MacArthur's telegram, immediately convened an emergency meeting, and senior military officials began a heated discussion.

Some voiced agreement, believing they should court Nanko, leveraging the Nanhua Navy's strength to contain the Japanese Combined Fleet.

Others opposed, arguing that Nanko's ambitions are rampant, and sending a fleet to Australia could seize the chance to expand its influence, posing a threat to the American forces.

In the end, President Luo Sifu made the final decision, approving MacArthur's request.

He immediately sent a diplomatic letter to Nanko, requesting that Nanko dispatch a fleet to the Australian waters, and promising ample supplies and support.

A game revolving around the deployment of the Nanhua Navy quietly unfolded among the parties.

On Nanko's side, Jiang Anguo, after receiving Washington's request, convened Jiang Zhiyuan, Jiang Qing and other generals for a meeting.

Jiang Zhiyuan said: "Commander, we cannot readily comply with the United States' request. Our fleet has just endured a naval battle and needs to rest, and dispatching a fleet to the Australian waters would disperse our forces, affecting our plan to eradicate the remaining Japanese forces in Southeast Asia."

Jiang Qing also agreed: "Exactly, MacArthur is playing a clever hand, trying to use us to contain the Japanese while reaping the benefits himself. We can outwardly agree, stall for time, and once we have fully controlled the Southeast Asian seas, then consider whether to dispatch a fleet."

Jiang Anguo nodded, his tone steady: "You are right; first we steady the United States and Luo Sifu, then, based on how the situation evolves, make the most advantageous decision."

Jiang Anguo does not care about the American troops in Australia; now is a prime opportunity for Nanko to expand its influence.

The victory at the Liao nei qundao naval battle not only completely altered the Southeast Asian front but also reshaped the global battlefield.